FROM THE CEO
Jacqueline Brinkman, Chief Executive Officer
As the final edition of the year, this EDA Journal presents highlights from the National Economic Development Conference( NEDC25). I am always uplifted by the event where economic developers from around the country come together to share leading practice, their innovative projects, their challenges and many laughs. It is my pleasure to present the finalists and winners of the 2025 National Economic Development Awards for Excellence in this edition. We will continue to showcase these commendable initiatives throughout the next 12 months through webinars and State Practitioner Network( SPN) events.
I am always uplifted by the event where economic developers from around the country come together to share leading practice, their innovative projects, their challenges and many laughs.
Also in this edition, we have a number of insightful articles to deepen thinking around how place based economic development is creating real impact.
Vanessa Pilla’ s article spotlights an area of keen interest to all Australian economic developers; Social Licence. Vanessa urges a rethink of governance in the regions at the centre of the energy transition, in order to shift the transition from fragmented benefit delivery to enduring social value creation.
In her article, Lynda Ford OAM argues that it is not enough to simply acknowledge diversity. She eloquently sets out a framework for economic developers to design systems that convert cultural difference into economic strength. Highlighting the approach being used in Hume, the article illustrates that an integrated and intercultural approach to local economic development stimulates innovative ecosystems.
The article by Charisse Santiago and Michael Faulkner of the City of Cockburn, proves that local governments can lead national priorities, not by competing with private firms or universities, but by acting as connectors, facilitators, and enablers of capacity. The collaborative project with the Henderson Defence Precinct and the Australian Marine Complex( AMC), demonstrates how local governments can activate innovation on the ground, translating global opportunities into local participation and prosperity.
Dubbo is showcased as a region on the rise in Sarah Christian, Lynn Rayner and Adam Poole ' s article which breaks down the place-based campaign targeting investors, employees and employers.
Narelle Kennedy AM and Dr John Howard’ s article assembles intelligence from innovation research and practice which challenges the reader to uncouple the assumption that innovation is exclusively linked to high-tech and entrepreneurial endeavours. The authors argue for a broader definition of innovation to reflect its true meaning of creating and capturing value from doing something new and needed.
Finally, Sasha Lennon illustrates how economic developers, as place makers, have a critical role to play in destination management. The article also demonstrates the latest research around key tourism drivers and how economic developers can create authentic experiences to meet demand.
We hope you enjoy this edition and as we head towards the end of the year, I thank all of our subscribers for their support of the EDA Journal and wish all our readers a safe and happy festive season.
Jacqueline Brinkman GAICD Chief Executive Officer Economic Development Australia
VOL 18 NO 3 2025 04 www. edaustralia. com. au